Trump Administration Announces Rollback of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations
In a move that has stirred up international concern, the Trump administration has announced plans to overturn a crucial 2009 environmental policy concerning greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed changes are expected to heavily deregulate the automotive sector, marking a significant rollback of the United States' climate change mitigation efforts.
Background on the 2009 Policy
The Obama-era policy under review is a landmark declaration that deemed carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases harmful to public health and welfare. This declaration has been a central pillar supporting the US government's authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. It has been seen as a cornerstone of climate action, and its potential reversal has been met with a global outcry.
Proposed Changes and Their Motivation
According to Deutsche Welle and La Repubblica, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under President Donald Trump is pushing for the rollback, arguing that the agency has no oversight authority over emissions regulation. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, while at a truck factory, announced the laxer emissions standards and the plans to revoke the scientific finding that enables US climate regulation.
The New York Times reports that this move is consistent with the promises made by candidate Trump to oil executives, promising them a windfall. The publication adds that the Trump administration's tax breaks and other incentives have already provided tens of billions of dollars in benefits to the fossil fuel industry.
International Reactions and Legal Implications
The proposed environmental policy changes have attracted international attention and criticism. According to Le Monde, a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) could potentially deem states guilty of violating their international obligations if they continue to subsidize fossil fuels. This ruling changes the landscape of international climate law, potentially putting nations like the U.S. on notice.
AllAfrica.com further highlights the ICJ's ruling, stating that climate change imperils all forms of life
and countries that fail to tackle the problem could face legal consequences under international law.
Controversy Over Scientific Consensus
The Trump administration has also been accused of distorting scientific studies on climate change. The administration reportedly commissioned a report from five climate skeptics, in an attempt to undermine the scientific consensus on global warming. According to The Guardian and Japan Times, the Trump administration aims to end the U.S. government's authority to regulate greenhouse gases with this report.
Current Status
As of now, the proposed changes are expected to go through a public consultation phase. The global community, especially environmentalists and scientists, are closely monitoring the situation, with concerns that this policy reversal could severely complicate the fight against climate change in the United States.